ok if that's what you desire but a brace that constricts your stomach might actually weaken your back and it's very difficult to keep it on for any extended periods

It's not what I "desire", it's what I'm going to try after a year of pain and no improvement, and after being prescribed one by a doctor, and after having been endorsed by others in this thread who say they've been helped by them. I can easily see it not helping, yes, but it's hard to see it doing much harm since I'm not required to continue wearing it, and can stop if no improvement or worsening of symptoms.